FDNY collects gifts for children at annual EMS Station 58 holiday toy drive

December 23, 2024

In 2012, FDNY Paramedic Juan Lebron wrangled up donations—a "simple bag of toys," he said—and brought them to children at a New York City hospital.

The heartfelt holiday tradition that started as a small gesture has since blossomed into a full-fledged effort by the FDNY and from members throughout EMS Division 3, bringing holiday cheer to children in hospitals and foster care.

The toy drive wrapped up Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, at EMS Station 58 in Canarsie, Paramedic Lebron's station. Volunteers will distribute the gifts to children in need on Christmas Day.

"It's an overwhelming, elating feeling," said Paramedic Lebron, who spent years in foster care as a teenager. "I spent time realizing that children in foster care spend a lot of time by themselves, and so I think it's very important to give back to these kids who are in need at this time of year."

FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker helped gather some last-minute donations, pushing the total number of gifts at this year's drive to more than 600.

The tradition has grown in both size and impact. For the FDNY, the initiative is about more than just giving gifts—it's about showing the community that the Department's dedication extends beyond emergency calls.

FDNY Paramedic Juan Lebron, who works out of EMS Station 58, started collecting gifts for New York City children over a decade ago. In the first year, it was just one bag of gifts. It has since grown to a full-scale operation. More than 600 gifts were collected this year, he said.